From Madrid to Istanbul, some notable luxury hotel openings.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL RITZ, MADRID – Opened April 15, 2021 - Following the most ambitious and extensive renovation to take place in its 110-year history, the iconic Ritz Madrid opened on April 15, 2021 as Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid. Throughout the hotel’s three-year renovation, Spanish architect Rafael de La-Hoz and the French designer duo Gilles & Boissier collaborated closely on the spectacular new design and range of facilities and to preserve the striking Belle Époque character of the original building in keeping with its original spirit. The hotel opens with 153 luxuriously appointed rooms, including 53 suites. There is also five restaurants and bars, which have been designed, developed and implemented by celebrated Spanish chef, Quique Dacosta.
CASTELLO DI RESCHIO – Opening May 13, 2021 - Reschio is a 3,700-acre pastoral Estate in the Umbrian hills on Italy’s Umbria-Tuscany border. Encompassing a 10th-century castle, the Estate was bought in 1994 by Count Antonio Bolza, intent on bringing this forgotten corner of Italy back to life. In the 25 years since, Count Bolza’s son and London-trained architect, Benedikt Bolza along with his wife, Donna Nencia Corsini, have set about beautifully restoring over half of the buildings with meticulous detail, transforming them into one-of-a-kind private homes, 10 of which are available to rent. This summer saw the opening of Ristorante Alle Scuderie, a 70-cover restaurant plus an Equestrian Theatre where Reschio’s 40 Andalusian pure-bred horses are now housed. In May 2021, the Estate will welcome its most ambitious chapter of restoration yet and open a supremely elegant 36-bedroom hotel, Hotel Castello di Reschio, featuring a farm-to-table restaurant and an ethereal subterranean spa.
BETHLEN ESTATES – Opening June 2021 - Bethlen Estates Transylvania is a fascinating multi-generational restoration project rooted in social purpose and the preservation of cultural heritage. Count Miklós Bethlen was forced to flee Transylvania and the picturesque of Criş in 1948 during the rise of communism and nationalisation in Romania. He settled in Austria but dedicated much of his life to supporting local communities in his ancestral village and fundraising to restore the historic buildings that had fallen into disrepair. Since his death in 2007 his wife and son, Gladys and Nikolaus, have been quietly acquiring tumbledown buildings of all shapes and sizes in and around Criş, from charming Saxon cottages to grand manor houses. Their aim? To cater to a discerning and design-savvy traveller, while supporting local communities through employment, education and practical help to those in need.
Their first property, the four-bedroom Caretaker’s House was completed as a private rental last year, while June 2021 will see the Bethlens introduce the two-bedroom Depner House (available for exclusive use) and the central Kitchen Barn, a rustic space for hearty communal feasting and private events. Come September, the capacity of the estate will increase to 20 with the addition of the four-bedroom Corner Barn, which will be available to rent by the room. While the utmost care has been taken to restore the buildings’ exterior façades to their former glory, the Bethlens wanted the interiors to offer a stylish and contemporary take on rural living, setting a new precedent for a destination with a strong tendency towards the traditional. They enlisted designers Stefanie de Castelbajac and Melanie Etten-Rüppell to work hand-in-hand with local artisans and create light and purposefully calming interiors, peppered with antique kilim rugs, warming tiled stoves and original wooden beams, as well as luxurious touches such as sanariums, Tom Dixon lighting and contemporary sculptural staircases crafted by local carpenters.
Add to this a carefully curated selection of experiences which delve into Transylvania’s historic citadels, wild countryside and spectacular wildlife, and a destination more typically known for touring suddenly offers a stylish and contemporary base with social purpose and cultural preservation at its heart.
Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul – Summer 2021 - The Group will open its first hotel in Istanbul (with another one scheduled to open in 2022) with 130 guest rooms and suites boasting panoramic views of the Bosphorus. As one of the most luxurious hotels in the city, it will feature world-class fitness and wellness facilities that will cater to international travelers, as well as locals, including a state-of-the-art fitness center equipped by Technogym with the most modern training equipment for movement and fitness, and a luxury spa with holistic spa treatments, beauty services, and a traditional Turkish hammam experience. Designed to act as an urban oasis, the hotel will have three swimming pools, four restaurants and bars, including one outstanding signature restaurant, one bar, one lobby lounge, and an outdoor club, making the property one of the city’s finest dining and drinking destinations.
W ROME – Openings September 2021 - The first W hotel in Italy, W Rome will be located near the famous Spanish Steps and the fashionable boutiques of Via Condotti. Spanning two adjacent 19th century properties on Via Liguria, the hotel will offer 159 rooms and suites and one of the very few rooftop bars that boasts views across Rome. Foodies rejoice, the hotel will see unrivalled culinary offerings spearheaded by Michelin-starred chef Ciccio Sultano.
W ALGARVE – Opening Q3 2021 - Beach life gets a brand-new spin with W Algarve, the brand’s entry into Portugal. Making a splash on the iconic Algarve coast, the 134-guestroom property boasts direct access to three beaches and iconic sea views from each room. The 23 lavishly appointed suites include duplex apartments with private plunge pools and an Extreme WOW suite with a hot tub. The Sky Deck provides unrivalled views of the Algarve coastline and when the sun sets, guests can make the most of W’s renown WET Deck parties.
